Not getting back into the sweat box at the Vice World Champion

Once again, it was not the evening of the Luxembourg handball selection. The team had to admit defeat against a good Czech selection, but by no means in the best line -up. Anyone who thought that the FLH selection would have a chance after the ordinary return result (17:23) was disappointed early on Wednesday evening in the Coque in Kirchberg, despite a good starting phase.

Raphaël Guden only hit the post with a free throw at the beginning of the game, then Ben Weyer hit the head of the guest goalkeeper Jan Hrdlicka at a degree from the circle and got a two-minute penalty. Nevertheless, Luxembourg held out well in the first 15 minutes. Mika Herrmann ensured security with three parades.

Despite some unfortunate situations, the leadership by Felix Werdel confirmed the successful start into the game despite some unfortunate situations. A renewed time penalty against Weyer then let Luxembourg go a little more carefully. After 4: 3 leadership and the interim 5: 5 compensation, the home team not only lost access to defense, but also the determination and precision in the attack.

« We had decided to make a strong defense and patiently play forward, » revealed Luke Kaysen. « But we only got it ten minutes. Hectic and overhanged degrees, a incomplete defense and fast speed counterfeits then pulled the plug. »

The FLH selection lost the playful line and control. After a four-goal deficit, Coach Maik Handschke asked for a first time-out (5: 9), but also after that the team acted for treading and unconcentrated. « Many ball losses and technical errors made it possible for the Czechs to get back into the game early. Because the defense was no longer handy, we had to allow one goal after another, » commented Adel Rastoder the disappointing appearance.

Unique experience

Werdel, whom a painful pull in the thigh will slow down after eight minutes and no longer let him return to the plate, also found clear words: « The problem was that we played with a standing ball and got involved in too many one-on-one situations. This lacks the speed that would have been necessary to pull apart the defense of the Czechs. »

In the second half – the pages were changed at 8:19 – it was only about damage limitation, a better performance and about keeping the gap in the single -digit range. The project only succeeded in phases. In the end there was a clear 22:35 defeat against a strong Czech team. So Guden, Lé Biel, Loïc and Luke Kaysen and Vincent Kreiselmaier repeatedly failed due to the good goalkeepers Hrdlicka and Simon Mizera.

Rastoder, who extended his contract with the Austrian first division Bt Foxes by another year, expects a reaction for the final encounter of the current European Championship campaign in the Croatian Rijeka (on Sunday from 6 p.m.). « We want to enjoy the game, but also show that we can do it better. » A competitive game with a vice world champion is « a great honor. You never forget such an experience in a handball career ».

Luke Kaysen, who moves from Dormagen to Kornwestheim in the summer within the third division, also looks at the game with anticipation. « Unfortunately, we only have one day to analyze. As a game of such a game, we can only learn and take a lot with us as a young handball player. But it is also about an acceptable result. We want to fight and do not make it too easy for the Croats. »